At the commencement of lock-down here in the UK, I wrote a blog post about how to stay positive during uncertain times. In that post, I shared a list of things I was going to try and do during lock-down to help myself stay positive and maintain my sanity. One of those things I suggested trying on my list was to make your house a home. As a follow-up to this, I wanted to share with you a few tips that I have learnt over the past few months to make turning your house into a home a reality.
#1: Print Photos of Family & Friends
I have always loved having photos of family and friends displayed in our home, and even more so now that we are living the expat life. Its easy to be reminded of loved ones and reminisce about the good times when there are lots of photos in your home. Set aside an afternoon and choose some of your favorites to print from your phone or computer. There are many online retailers who will allow you to upload photos and deliver them directly to your door. Some will even include the frame!
#2: Display Arts & Books
Books and wall art will really make your house a home. And it will portray your true colours and passions to your visitors (or all those people on your Zoom meetings). I’ve tried my best not to accumulate too many things whilst living here in the UK, however the reality is that I just cannot resist art and books. Slowly but surely the book shelves are filling up and the blank walls are no longer.
#3: Add Soft Furnishings
Nothing makes you feel at home like lots of cushions, rugs and blankets. There is something about adding soft furnishings to your home that just makes it feel extra cosy and lived in. Plus, if you choose the right ones they can be a great way to reflect your personality in your home.
You can also up the comfort level with the perfect chair for your home. If you are in the market for a new reclining chair, you can buy them here.
#4: Utilise Your Outdoor Space
Ironically, this year the UK enjoyed its sunniest ever April in history. So it is not surprising that many of us were making the most of our outdoor spaces during lock-down. Make your house a home by sprucing up your garden with some furniture, potted plants and solar lighting. Some people are even going to the extent of installing orangeries and conservatories to really maximize their outdoor space.
#5: Bring Home A Pet
With people working from home and generally spending a lot more time in the house, many have decided it is the perfect time to bring home a pet. Our beloved beagles have been part of our family for a very long time. And whilst they drive me slightly mental on a daily basis, I wouldn’t have it any other way. There are so many benefits of owning and caring for a pet, and there is no doubt you will feel at home with them by your side.
#6: De-clutter, Clean & Repair
A clean and tidy house free of clutter will always feel more homely and loved. As will a home free of needing maintenance and repairs. It will help you to feel more relaxed in your own space. It sometimes seems like an impossible mission to keep our home clean and tidy with a toddler and 2 dogs. However, we have sourced lots of storage options to make it easy to tidy things away. We also endeavor to undertake a big clean out every 6 months to keep on top of everything which has accumulated. And when our home is in need of repairs, we often turn to experts, such as uPVC door repairs Doncaster.
#7: Go Green With Plants
Its official – I have become a plant mum. I’m not going to lie, I am a little bit nervous as my track record is not great. But they have made such a difference in adding a pop of colour to our home. I opted for very low maintenance plants and ones that help to purify the air, therefore assisting to keep our family healthy.
So there are my 7 tips on how to make your house a home. I hope I have provided you with some inspiration to look around your space and see what you can do to make it really feel like your own. And before you go, tell me – what makes a home to you? Shell x
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